Frito-Lay flips switch on solar power at Phoenix facility

Frito-Lay employees on October 5 dedicated the new solar electric power system that has been installed on the roof of their ArizonaServiceCenter, the company’s largest distribution center in the country. The 201-kilowatt system, made up of more than 1,000 Kyocera high-output 200-watt photovoltaic (PV) modules, is the largest business-owned PV system in Arizona. The system will produce roughly 350,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.

PV systems produce no emissions and utilize Arizona’s solar resource to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV system on the ArizonaServiceCenter will supply power directly to Frito-Lay’s electrical loads to meet a portion of the facility’s daytime energy needs.

"In concert with PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose efforts around environmental sustainability, Frito-Lay’s sustainability programs have focused on conserving vital resources and implementing environmentally-friendly solutions like renewable energy sources,” said Rich Beck, senior vice president, operations, Frito-Lay North America. “By using solar power in our ServiceCenter, we are harnessing one of Arizona’s natural and powerful assets – the sun. This project helps the environment, Phoenix and the greater Arizona community, a valued partner.”

“Frito-Lay’s commitment to promoting renewable sources of energy is commendable,” said Arizona Corporation Commission commissioner William A. Mundell. “As rising fossil fuel prices drive the cost of electricity upward, it is vital that Arizona look to alternative sources of energy.

“I am proud of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s decision to pass the Environmental Portfolio Standard which requires APS to give businesses an opportunity to reduce their electricity costs by utilizing renewable technology such as solar,” added Mundell.

The installation was facilitated, in part, by the APS Solar Partners Incentive Program. This Program offers financial incentives to customers who add photovoltaic solar systems or solar water heaters to their homes or business. The Program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

“The Solar Power Incentive Program allows customers to take ownership of their energy future,” said Pat Dinkel, director of planning and resource acquisition for APS.

American Solar Electric Inc., a Scottsdale-based firm specializing in photovoltaic power systems, designed and installed the PV system. The PV system was engineered to produce year-round energy production through elevated, angled panels above the rooftop deck.

“Our company is proud to be a part of Frito-Lay’s overall sustainability program through the construction of this solar electric system.” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric. “Frito-Lay’s commitment to solar power as part of their sustainability effort is a great example of how the private sector can partner with utilities to address our community’s larger concerns over the environment and diversification of the nation’s energy supply. Key strategic partnerships between Frito-Lay, American Solar Electric, Kyocera, SMA-America, and APS were crucial to making a project on this scale possible.”

Frito-Lay already has installed PV systems in six other distribution centers in California and New York. In 2005, Frito-Lay opened its first Gold LEED certified “green,” environmentally-friendly distribution center in New York. Only one of 50 Gold LEED certified buildings in North America at the time, it serves as a model of resource conservation through innovations in renewable energy, alternative lighting, energy efficiency standards and environmentally intelligent choices.

Frito-Lay North America is the $10 billion convenient foods division of PepsiCo, which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo divisions include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. The ArizonaServiceCenter, located on 40th Street in central Phoenix, is a product distribution facility servicing Arizona and parts of the Southwest.

American Solar Electric, Inc. is a Scottsdale-based design-build firm specializing in photovoltaic (solar electric) power systems for commercial, industrial and residential applications. The company offers complete design services and is licensed, bonded and insured for both commercial and residential electrical and roofing contracting in the State of Arizona (AZ ROC Licenses 168657 and 236520). Additional information on the company’s products and services is available online at: www.americanpv.com.

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves more than 1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation.